Carlisle United's Dylan McGeouch: I already feel at home here

The former Celtic and Sunderland midfielder is bedding in at Brunton Park after joining on a two-year deal last week.

McGeouch, who is in line for his second pre-season appearance at Workington Reds tomorrow, says he was attracted by the progress United have made and the “excitement” of their memorable promotion to League One.

The 30-year-old now wants to play his part in helping the Blues make the step up.

“It’s been great so far. I’ve loved it to be honest,” he said. “I’ve only been here a week but I feel settled – like I’ve been here longer than a week.

“The boys have been great, the people at the club, the staff…it’s got a good feeling about it, a community, family feel.

“I’ve been about the town, getting a coffee and stuff like that, and the people seem nice. I’m looking to get my family up in the next couple of weeks and getting settled.”

Paul Simpson hopes McGeouch’s quality and know-how can enhance the squad that brought United up via the League Two play-offs.

McGeouch in action against Gretna 2008 (Image: Barbara Abbott)

He impressed at third-tier level with Forest Green Rovers last season and has ample experience from his time at clubs such as Celtic, Hibernian, Sunderland and Aberdeen.

The challenge to bring that to the party at United is one the Scot is embracing.

“There is a feel-good factor about coming up, and everything surrounding that,” he said.

“The fans are excited for the season ahead – there are a lot of big games and a lot of big teams coming here as well.

"There’s a lot of good away trips for the fans to enjoy too, and we’ll be looking to do our best on the pitch to support that.”

McGeouch says it did not take him long to buy into Simpson’s vision for United as they prepare to return to the third tier for the first time since 2014.

“It [the Simpson factor] was massive,” he added. “I spoke to the manager before I signed and he said, ‘I’m looking to add your experience and ability to the squad. That’s what we want’.

McGeouch said he had positive conversations with Paul Simpson before agreeing to the United move (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I had a good few conversations, it went well and I was excited to get it over the line. After last year, everyone surrounding the club is obviously buzzing about the place, and if I can come in and add to that with my own performances then, personally and collectively as a team, hopefully we can drive each other forward.”

While the move enables Glasgow-born McGeoch to see more of his family after leaving Gloucestershire-based Forest Green, he stressed that geography was not the main motivating factor behind his decision to join the Cumbrians.

“It was a total football move,” he said.

“After the success of last year, and going into League One, the whole excitement about the club…everything about that is purely football based.

“Being closer to home is nice, I can see the family a bit more, the last few years I’ve been away, but in a football sense it made sense for me and I’m excited to get up here.”